Virgin Voyages
Adults-only (18+) fleet-wide, design-forward ships, and simplified all-in pricing with gratuities, Wi-Fi, and most restaurants included, a genuinely different take on modern cruising.
- Virgin Voyages is adults-only fleet-wide (18+), a genuine point of differentiation almost no other cruise line offers.
- Boutique-styled but sizable ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady.
- Gratuities, Wi-Fi, and most dining venues are included in the fare, no traditional main-dining-room upcharge model.
- Bold, design-forward branding with a nightlife-and-social edge rather than quiet-luxury calm.
- Best fit for adult couples, milestone celebrations, honeymooners, and friend groups wanting a no-kids atmosphere.
- Not the right fit for families with children, kids are categorically excluded, not just discouraged.
What Virgin Voyages actually is
Virgin Voyages is Richard Branson's Virgin Group take on modern cruising, built adults-only from the keel up, with a design language and onboard energy closer to a boutique lifestyle hotel than a traditional cruise ship. The fleet, Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady, is boutique-styled but genuinely sizable, carrying roughly 2,700 adult guests each.
The commercial model is simplified on purpose. Gratuities and Wi-Fi are included, most restaurants carry no per-venue upcharge, and group fitness is bundled. Alcohol, spa, shore excursions, and a small number of premium experiences (the tattoo studio, select dining venues with cover charges) are where guests spend extra.
Cross-shopping usually happens against Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. We help clients pick based on who they're traveling with, how much nightlife and social energy they actually want, and how the all-in math compares once included items are factored in.
Where Virgin Voyages wins
- Adults-only fleet-wide, no children anywhere on the ship, not just in specific areas.
- Included fare covers gratuities, Wi-Fi, and most restaurants, so most guests spend far less onboard than on comparable mainstream lines.
- Design-forward ships and public spaces, a genuine break from the traditional cruise aesthetic.
- Strong entertainment, music, and nightlife programming aimed squarely at adult travelers.
- Bar tabs and select experiences (tattoo studio, some premium venues) offer meaningful add-on options for guests who want them.
What to know before booking
- Categorically not a family option, travelers with kids need a different line entirely.
- Brand energy is deliberately loud, social, and casual-stylish, not the right vibe for guests seeking quiet luxury or a traditional cruise formality.
- Itinerary footprint is narrower than mainstream mega-lines, most sailings focus on Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
- Some premium dining venues and specialty experiences carry cover charges even though most restaurants are included.
Best for
- Adult couples and honeymooners who specifically want a no-kids atmosphere at sea.
- Milestone-celebration groups (birthdays, anniversaries) that want a social, energetic ship rather than a quiet one.
- Friend groups looking for a stylish, nightlife-friendly cruise with meals and Wi-Fi already bundled.
- First-time cruisers who dislike the traditional cruise aesthetic and want a modern, design-forward alternative.
Not the right fit for
- Families with children, Virgin Voyages does not accept guests under 18 anywhere on the ship.
- Travelers who want a quiet, traditional, or formal luxury cruise experience.
- Guests looking for enrichment-heavy, destination-immersive itineraries at the level of a Viking, Silversea, or Tauck.
- Cruisers who prefer a large ship precisely for its wide dining and entertainment variety, Virgin's scale is intentionally more curated.
Our honest take on Virgin Voyages
For adult couples, honeymooners, and friend groups who want a genuinely child-free cruise with a modern-hotel aesthetic and included essentials, Virgin Voyages is the cleanest recommendation on the board. Nothing else in the mainstream-to-premium tier delivers that exact combination.
The included fare structure also earns Virgin real value on clients who would otherwise spend significantly on Wi-Fi, tips, and specialty dining across a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity sailing. We routinely run the all-in math both ways before recommending, Virgin often wins on total spend even when the sticker price isn't the lowest.
We steer clients away from Virgin when the traveling party includes children, when the goal is a quiet or traditional cruise vibe, or when itinerary depth matters more than atmosphere. In those cases a family megaship, a premium line like Celebrity, or a small-ship luxury option is a better fit, and we'll say so.
Virgin Voyages, frequently asked questions
Is Virgin Voyages really adults-only?
Yes, Virgin Voyages is 18+ fleet-wide. Children are not permitted anywhere on the ship, not just restricted from certain venues. This is one of the strongest differentiators in the cruise market and a primary reason couples, honeymooners, and friend groups choose the line.
What is included in the Virgin Voyages fare?
Gratuities, Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, most non-alcoholic beverages, and access to more than 20 restaurants and eateries onboard are included in the base fare. There is no traditional main-dining-room-versus-specialty upcharge model. Alcohol, select premium experiences, spa services, shore excursions, and a small number of premium dining venues (with cover charges) are the primary add-ons.
Which Virgin Voyages ship should I book?
Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady are all essentially the same design generation, the choice usually comes down to itinerary rather than ship. We help clients pick based on region, sailing length, and price point, and we watch for the line's frequent promotions and included-bar-tab offers.
How does Virgin Voyages compare to Royal Caribbean or Celebrity?
Royal Caribbean is a family megaship line with everything from waterslides to Broadway shows and welcomes guests of all ages. Celebrity is a premium contemporary line with a broader guest mix and traditional cruise conventions. Virgin Voyages is smaller, adults-only, and deliberately designed to feel more like a boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship. See our guides on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises for direct comparisons.
Can I book Virgin Voyages through Travel Squad Vacations?
Yes. Virgin Voyages pricing is the same direct or through an advisor, booking with us adds itinerary and cabin category guidance, air routing, timing around the line's frequent promotions (included bar tabs, resident sailor discounts), pre- and post-cruise planning, and a single point of contact if anything changes.
Related reading
Ready to travel better?
Tell us where you're dreaming of, and one of our advisors will be in touch within two business days.
Mon – Fri 9 AM – 6 PM · Sat 9 AM – 5 PM